SSE121 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Substance Abuse, Alexithymia, Libido
2 May 2020
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Document Summary
The psychodynamic theory of addiction has developed along similar lines to the general psychodynamic theories. Early theories stressed the libidinal dimensions of drug abuse such as fulfillment of a desire for gratification, hedonism and regressive states achievement. These substance abuse conceptualizations were consistent with wider field interests. Contemporary models of drug abuse mirror more recent theories of psychodynamics, emphasizing ego growth, object relationships, and self psychology. More specifically, drug misuse is thought to perform protective and adaptive purposes in the wrong place. Abuse of substances represents an attempt to cope with emotions and the outside world. Substance use, for example, is seen as serving the protection purpose of artificial influence. For drug abusers, effects tend to be regional, undifferentiated, and preverbal in order to make the emotional experience somatic and overwhelming. In those who are unable to interpret, verbalize, and control feelings, a disorder called alexithymia, the intense bodily awareness of emotions contributes to drug impulses.
